Lillie Vale

Fresh out of high school, Babe Vogel should be thrilled to have the whole summer at her fingertips. She loves living in her lighthouse home in the sleepy Maine beach town of Oar’s Rest and being a barista at the Busy Bean, but she’s totally freaking out about how her life will change when her two best friends go to college in the fall. And when a reckless kiss causes all three of them to break up, she may lose them a lot sooner. On top of that, her ex-girlfriend is back in town, bringing with her a slew of memories, both good and bad. And then there’s Levi Keller, the cute artist who’s spending all his free time at the coffee shop where she works. Levi’s from out of town, and even though Babe knows better than to fall for a tourist who will leave when summer ends, she can’t stop herself from wanting to know him. Can Babe keep her distance, or will she break the one rule she’s always had - to never fall for a summer boy?

Small Town Hearts

Candyce Kirk

After reading Small Town Hearts, I need to go and move to Oar's Rest. It has all your typical small town feelings. I love how it was described and all the little places I would love to see. Babe even lives in a lighthouse! That seems like such a great place to settle in. I could even picture myself sitting at the café she works at with a treat and a book. The author did a great job making me feel like I was there.

Small Town Hearts is about Babe. She just graduated high school and is finding her way in the world. Babe won't be going to college, but she doesn't feel like she's missing out. She loves baking and would be happy to take over the café she works at when her boss retires (she's already saving). It's clear at the beginning of this book, she really hasn't realized that graduating may change her friendships.

Babe, Penny and Chad have been friends for as long as she can remember. Penny and Chad were an item, but even that has changed. I had a hard time with this friendship. It wasn't really fair to Babe and I felt for her, because she was so afraid of losing her friends. All Babe wanted was a great summer together and it feels like that's slipping away. Even though I thought it was amazing Babe was loyal, I wished so many times she would stand up for herself when Penny wanted her to do something. Lucy made this so much better for me though. I loved her character and she was there for Babe while she was figuring everything out. I even thought what Lucy said about a lot of people thinking they don't need more friends after a certain amount. It kind of makes me wonder how many people have that.

Babe is bisexual and I love how comfortable she is with her sexuality. Small Town Hearts also shows us that coming out can take time and isn't always easy, but I loved that it showed us that it doesn't matter who you love. The author did a great job with that aspect of this book.

Just like most contemporary books that I love, we have romance in this book. Levi is a summer boy and Babe's rule is not to fall for them, because they leave when the season is over. There's something about Levi though that she just can't resist. My favorite thing of this romance was that this wasn't a case of insta-love! There was an attraction/interest, but feelings slowly developed. Levi was so sweet and down to earth. Exactly what Babe needs! Their story really kept making me smile!

If you're looking for a book that brings you to the summer during the darker winter days, makes you feel like you're in this small town building sandcastles, has amazing characters and a cute love story, definitely pick up Small Town Hearts!

Alexis 

I gave this book 3.5 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 . Overall I really enjoyed the book, it was cute contemporary. It also read amazingly fast, before I knew It I was done. There was a little best friend drama to keep things going along in the plot, which I will say annoyed me a little but wasn't my main issue. I had Major issues with Penny, which is Babe ( the main characters) best friend. I didn't like her at all. 

Like I said it was cute and quick and overall a good summer read. 

For my Entire review check out my blog http://bookstobooks.home.blog

The Nature of Pages

This book was cute! That’s the main word that pops into my head when I think about it.

The plot line felt a little repetitive as if the main cast of characters ran in circles while trying to figure their lives out. It still held my attention enough to enjoy the light read to the end.

The characters were lovable but I never felt like we really got to know them enough to fall utterly in love. Sure, as a reader I related to some of the issues (like going to college in the fall) but not much deeper. It felt like standing at the edge of the beach, the water just reaching me. I wanted more depth.

The one thing I didn’t like is that there were toxic friendships that never really got resolved and, to me, felt ignored.

Ultimately, this was a great read while I was on a long airplane ride and I wish there was more weight, but overall enjoyable!

Kate

There is so much to love about this book:

* The small town, where everybody knows your name, that's why neighbours become good friends, Gilmore Girls vibe.
* THE FOOD. I swear, I was hungry 99% of the time whilst reading this.
* The exploration into the complexities of friendships.
* The fact that the MC wasn't going to college and that, not only was totally okay with it, it was her choice!
* The uncomplicated discussions and general acceptance surrounding sexuality (the MC is bi).
* The love interested is understanding and soft and entirely adorable. 
* The realistic outlook on relationships and the fact that no one changed their lives around the other.
* IT IS JUST SO FREAKING CUTE.
* The wonderfully descriptive writing style that didn't feel heavy or exhausting to get through, it simply painted a beautiful, picture of summertime. 
* Upper YA (the MC was 19, love interested 18 and friends 18-19)
* Did I mention the food?

Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable, warm, summertime contemporary and the perfect read to distract me from the painfully cold, rainy British winter.

Small Town Hearts

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